San Diego is honoring World AIDS Day with a display of sections of the 25-year-old AIDS Memorial Quilt and lighting of Mama’s Kitchen’s annual tree of life.
Three sections of the national quilt inspired by San Diego organizations and individuals are on display from noon to 9 p.m. in UC San Diego’s Price Center. The quilt now numbers over 48,000 panels and honors more than 94,000 individuals
“World AIDS Day is an opportunity for the UC San Diego community to join people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “At UC San Diego, we are dedicated to conducting innovative research and providing advanced care to treat patients and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.”
Later on Tuesday, Mama’s Kitchen will light the “Tree of Life” for the 24th consecutive year. The event honors those affected by AIDS and recognizes the ongoing leadership efforts made to end the worldwide epidemic.
Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer and Councilman Todd Gloria are scheduled to attend the lighting at 6 p.m. at the Village Hillcrest retail center, 3965 5th Ave.
Last year, Mama’s Kitchen delivered 284,925 meals to 394 San Diegans affected by HIV/AIDS.
San Diego County has the third highest HIV infection rates in the state of California. Between the years 2007-2011, San Diego County averaged 350 new HIV diagnoses per year, with an estimated additional undiagnosed 85 to 90 cases.